Moving in or moving out, let’s keep moving

Doctors and health professionals at all levels tell us that to keep our bodies flexible, healthy and retain some muscle mass – even as we age – we must keep moving. Walking, running, biking, swimming, choose your particular method of staying active for your own good.

As we observe the inauguration of a new President on Wednesday, Jan. 20 and we pause to observe the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Monday, Jan. 18, another President leaves the White House to return to private life.

Our nation has endured the fiery trials of a Civil War, mass protests, marches, depression, recessions and the horror of multiple wars in countries well and little known for causes patriotic, just and sometimes muddled. But one thing continues and that is our nation. America has endured with our unique system of government for well over 200 years and while some pundits continue to beat the drum of discontent and that “it’s all over,” that is highly unlikely.

Are the current freedoms we take for granted under assault? Maybe. When private companies can determine who can, and who cannot, use their platforms, is that opening a bit of a pandora’s box? But remember, these are private companies, not government entities. Yet, at the same time, these companies have become so large and influential that they can sway public opinion and probably much more. This will no doubt become a discussion point that could make its way to the Supreme Court.

I have purposefully written this with questions as I am wondering what opinion our readers have on this topic? Speaking of our readers, many of you used your freedom of speech rights to submit a letter to the editor for publication in The Beacon. In most cases, those letters were published without editing. There were a couple that were not published. We try to be very clear on that subject for obvious reasons – you must submit your letter with a name and your city – we also request a phone number to contact you if there are any questions. We do not publish your phone number or address, but we do not publish anonymous letters. Again, that reason should be obvious. If your letter goes a bit too far with language or it is simply too long, we will contact you – again, that is why the phone number is important.

This past election cycle was, without a doubt, very tumultuous and a few readers were upset that we published “this letter” or “that letter.” We are not one sided here. We published letters from both sides of the election and – get this – we are proud to be able to do that. That right may not always exist, so use prudence and sound judgment when you do write. I will add that every letter that I read was written with passion and conviction by the author.

And that is one of the things that makes America the greatest nation on earth. We can express our opinions and disagree with each other but when all is said and done, we are all Americans.

Category: Mark's Musings, Opinion